Chapter one discussed the subject of social competence in children. It is crucial that caregivers are aware of how to make children feel comfortable in order to help them flourish. Communicating to children that you care about them (facilitation dimension) is a key foundation of social competence. Incorporating empathy, warmth, respect, acceptance, and authenticity when working with little ones is all part of how you can expand children's social development. It is also important to understand the microsystems, exosystems, meso and macrosystems in a child's life in order to best see what may be influencing their social competence. Because each child learns and grows at different rates and in different ways, caregivers need to use individually appropriate practices as well as age, social, and culturally appropriate practices. The Chinese proverb, "I hear, and I forget, I see, and I remember, I do, and I understand." is a great way to look at things when teaching children. Make it a point to get to know each child and their background. Be sensitive to their individual needs, and know how to approach each child.
Chapter three discussed nonverbal communication. It is a very interesting topic in the sense that most of us do these things without even thinking. It is neat to see the different forms broken down and the different ways varying cultures view different gestures and mannerisms. This again stresses the importance of knowing a child's background. Personal space is something that often is invaded in children. Adults and caregivers need to be aware of what is appropriate and what is going to make a child feel uncomfortable or violated. It is wise to bear in mind that some kinds of physical contact may be appropriate for a five year old child, but may make an eight year old feel uneasy. Children imitate adults pattern of behavior, so if the adult is skillful in nonverbal communication, the child will learn to be skillful in time as well.
